Qualification Program "Cultures of Knowledge"

Structure of the curriculum in three areas

• Interdisciplinary roof: here the PhD students and PIs of the graduate school work together across disciplines
• Disciplinary pillars: in this area, doctoral students strengthen methodological approaches and expertise in their field
• Academic base: this is where the fundamentals of scientific and ethical work are taught

This structure ensures that the doctoral students

• acquire general competencies for the successful completion of their research project, or doctorate, and further career path (academic and non-academic)
• strengthen disciplinary competencies in their field and gain insight into a broader field of study
• build skills in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Upon successful completion, i.e., active participation in each course, seminars, doc retreats, their own teaching, workshops, and participation in conferences in the three areas, they will receive an official certificate.

Structure of the graduate school and mentoring program

The program is composed of proposals from the PIs and suggestions from the PhD students. The members' own initiative is particularly encouraged. It includes a diverse range of courses and is tailored to the needs of the participants. Cooperation in the basic area takes place with the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS). External achievements of the doctoral students, for example with the EUCOR partners (trinational association of five universities on the Upper Rhine), EPICUR partners (a European association of nine universities) or participation in conferences, are credited to a certain extent.
The graduate school also provides for an interdisciplinary mentoring program. For this purpose, the PhD students choose a person outside their own field from the KIT professors. Regular meetings ensure complementary mentoring with regard to research work and further education within the graduate school.

Participation in the qualification program is in line with the objectives of the overall strategy formulated by KIT with regard to the qualification and promotion of young scientists. The program is designed for 3 years, but can also be completed more slowly if the doctorate takes longer. It is based on the recommendation of the DFG that a maximum of 4-5 SWS/year should be spent on qualification in addition to the doctorate. 1 SWS corresponds to approx. 1.5 ECTS (approx. 45 working hours).

Membership in CuKnow continues until the doctorate is completed or a withdrawal from CuKnow occurs. If the minimum requirements for the certificate are not met, a " trimmed down certificate can be issued".

In general, doctoral students are invited to organize interdisciplinary events on their own initiative: Study days, lectures, reading circles, etc. International collaborations are also encouraged. The own organization of an event, seminar or workshop will be evaluated more extensively than if only "participating" in a seminar. The ECTS, therefore, depend on the degree of preparation and follow-up as well as the duration of an event.

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